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Tofu and Leek Stir-Fry with Ground Beef

Sichuan peppercorns are officially banned from import because they come from a plant that is susceptible to citrus canker. Although there's no substitute for their woodsy citrus flavor, the recipe is delicious without them.

Garnish: 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground with a mortar and pestle

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Preparation

Wash leeks in a bowl of cold water, then lift out and drain well.

Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon salt in 2 cups hot water in a medium bowl, and add tofu. Soak 5 minutes, then drain in a sieve.

Heat a wok or 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until a bead of water dropped onto cooking surface evaporates immediately. Add oil, swirling wok to coat, and heat until it begins to smoke. Add beef and stir-fry, breaking up lumps, until no longer pink, about 2 minutes. Stir in wine and 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce and stir-fry 30 seconds.

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Recent Reviews

I don't normally tweak recipes on the 1st try, but I had to make this more Chinese homestyle. Use just one leek, but the WHOLE leek. Don't brine the tofu. Add the leek after the beef is browned. Braise the whole dish for 15 minutes on very low heat and the tofu will have flavour inside it (not just salt). Increase seasonings to your taste.

jsvleong from Oakland, CA /

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This was amazingly good. I made it just as directed. Both my father (not an adventurous eater) and I (a very adventurous eater) loved it. I'm definitely adding it into my regular repertoire.

lisanosal /

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Good flavor but too greasy. I should have drained the fat that cooked out of the beef before proceeding.

jasminej from Greenpoint, Brooklyn /

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I am vegetarian, so I
substituted textured
vegetable protein for the
ground beef. This
required the addition of a
little more water when it
started to stick to the
pan, but otherwise, it
cooked similarly. We do
not have the fermented
black beans in any of our
local stores, so I had to
omit those. All the same,
it was very good. I would
enjoy it either at its
current level of spice or
spicier.

iamcrispydammit from Guadalajara, Mexico /

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Wonderfully easy and surprisingly scrumptous. Used ground turkey instead of beef. All three of my kids had their plates EMPTY (which is a four fork indication) and even my husband gave the nod of genuine approval. Will add this to our family favorites and consider it a staple for sure. (double on the sauces like other reviewers mentioned)